We all like to start the new year with a list of resolutions. Things we want to improve about our health, relations etc… How about some new year’s resolutions for our planet? I took a few eco resolutions from a list of 7 over at The Daily Green and applied them to my daily life. I invite you to do the same. What’s encouraging is these are all simple enough for us all to do, and doesn’t involve going tree planting for a month in the outback….What do you think?

1. I will buy less useless crap that I don’t need.

I think we’re all guilty of impulse shopping, you know that crap we have hiding in that closet or cupboard that never gets any use. Your guilty pleasure could be clothing, notebooks, vases, shoes, whatever! I have several areas of guilt ranging from clothing to knick knacks. This year I will try to reduce my purchase of these items. As I saw on a tv program once, every time you buy something, you must visualize the exact location of where to put/display this item. I must remember that packaging, waste, and pollution are created to make these items available. It’s time to clean out, and stop the crap collecting.

2. I will unplug what I’m not using.

Although I have become more vigilant about this one as my awareness has increased, there are still certain items that never seem to get unplugged in my household. DVD players, TV and computers still use energy even if they’re plugged in but not turned on. One suggestion is to plug everything into a power bar and simply flicking the switch to off when they’re not in use. .

3. I will remember to always bring my stainless steel canteen with me.

I kicked the plastic water bottle habit a long time ago for many reasons. Several of which are the pollution created in making the plastic bottles, transportation fuel etc… In 2007 Americans consumed water from over 50 million disposable plastic water bottles!! I suggest investing in a trendy little stainless steel water bottle and taking it with you everywhere.

4. If I can remember to TiVo “Dancing with the Stars,” I can remember to bring my own bags to the grocery store.

“I forgot them in my car!” just doesn’t cut it anymore. I have since purchased several cloth grocery bags that neatly zip up and tuck away in my purse, so I will always have them with me. I invite you to do the same.